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Showing posts from June, 2012

Handling

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     So after our DL SDT debut, we went back to the chalk board a little bit.  It was a great learning experience.  Maybe the best way for me to learn is to get out there and do it.  To not be afraid of failing miserably, cuz that is kinda what we did.  Not really.  There were some absolutely great parts done by each dog.        Going to watch the sheep more.  Going to see what they are telling me.  These sheep look like they  are ready to do a quarterback sneak across the goal-line.  I think they are saying hut-hut-hike!!!  Mottley crew.  But fast and light enough.      Focused on the sheep's 360 bubble.  Helped any dog needing it,  to feel the bubble.  We tried to lie down prior to giving flank command.  Communication.  Slow things down.  Tidy things up.  Timing and distance.      We worked on outruns.  Only the top.  I insisted on perfect shape.... for happy sheep.  Ben got to deal with trees and big brush for pressure.

Dry Lake

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     Thoughts on Dry Lake Sheep Dog trial over Memorial Day weekend.  Unfortunately, I did not take any pictures.  It was good.  I think we were over our heads a bit, and I expected that.  The trial will stand as a barometer to see where we are at.  And blaringly shout out what we need to improve on.  Watching is so much different than doing. Pic by Gloria Atwater      I ran Val in nursery.  It was on the last day, and the sheep were on their fourth go.  The field was 300+ yards, with some rise and falls and plenty of little prairie dogs-like rodents spectating.   I was very proud of how she hustled out there on the outrun.  She came in a bit flat and slow at the top, which gave the sheep a opening to take off at the 10 O'clock at a dead run.  Nothing I could do but look to see where the 4-wheeler was.  But, oh me of little faith, the little hustler got out and around them and was bringing me sheep.  Briskley.   Then they decided that going to exhaust sounded l